Fryar Center Podcasts
Podcast Categories
Media Contact
Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
(501) 671-2006 | mhightower@uada.edu

Ep. 31 Leveraging Enterprise Budgets to Calculate Breakeven Points
In this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley and Ryan sit down to discuss a key tool for farmers and ranchers: leveraging enterprise budgets to calculate breakeven points. They break down how using Extension Crop Enterprise Budgets for individual farm enterprises can help producers better understand their cost structure and set realistic price goals. By calculating breakeven points, they can make informed decisions on pricing, marketing, and production strategies.

Ep. 30 Crop Insurance Decision Maker 2025 Decision Tool
In this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley is joined by Dr. Hunter Biram in the studio, as they dive deep into the usefulness of crop insurance. Dr. Biram provides valuable insights into the complexities of crop insurance and shares an in-depth breakdown of how producers can make informed decisions for the upcoming 2025 season.

Ep. 29 Serving Arkansas Agriculture Through the Land Grant Mission with Dr. Lanier Nalley
In this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley Smith sits down with Dr. Nalley, the newly appointed head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Nalley shares his journey from assistant professor to department head and discusses his dedication to bridging research, extension, and teaching to support Arkansas producers.

Ep. 28 Structure of the USDA-FSA Farm Loan Program and 2025 Financial Update
In the latest episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley and Ryan dive into the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts and how these monetary policy shifts affect agriculture. With fewer cuts expected in 2025, they discuss the potential pressure on farmers’ margins and what that means for on-farm profitability.

Ep. 27 Highlights of the January 2025 USDA WASDE Report
On this edition of Morning Coffee and AG Markets, Riley is joined by Scott Stile to dive into the January WASDE Report, which revealed significant changes to U.S. crop projections. The USDA’s unexpected reductions in U.S. corn and soybean production have shifted the balance sheets, making the corn market “tighter” than last year and bringing the soybean outlook in line with 2023.

Ep. 26 Analyzing Crop Choice Using the Arkansas Crop Profit/Loss Calculator
In the first episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets for 2025, Riley, Hunter, and Ryan sit down to dive deep into the Arkansas Crop Profit/Loss Calculator, a web-based tool designed to help producers make informed crop decisions. The trio explores how this tool enables farmers to assess potential profits and losses by inputting county, crop type, irrigation practices, and rental agreements.

Ep. 25 Recap- Reflecting on the Year & Wishing You Happy Holidays!
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the growth and success of Morning Coffee & Ag Markets. This year has been filled with insightful episodes, exciting guest interviews, and, of course, your continued support. We’re thrilled to share the highlights of the year, our podcast stats, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next!

Ep. 24 Finances, Wealth Management, and the Current Financial State of Agriculture
In today’s episode, Riley and Dr. Ryan Loy are joined by Mr. Levi Price and Mr. Darin Drennan from Arvest Bank for a roundtable discussion on the financial landscape of agriculture. They cover:

Ep. 23 December 2024 USDA WASDE Report
Join Riley and Scott Stiles for the latest edition of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, as they dive into a detailed analysis of the December 2024 WASDE Report. This key update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides important insights into global supply and demand projections for major crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Special Edition Ep. Farm Bill and Economic Assistance
Dr. Hunter D. Biram provides an update on the state of the Continuing Resolution being considered in Congress as the December 20th deadline and a government shutdown looms. Implications for the magnitude and likelihood of economic disaster assistance payments are discussed.

Ep. 22 Farm Policy Outlook for 2025
On this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, the conversation centers around the big questions facing agriculture as we look ahead to 2025. Riley, Hunter, Ryan, and Scott sit down over their coffee to discuss the current economic pressures on farmers, financial conditions, and the uncertain future of farm programs. With markets in flux and the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill, there’s much to unpack. Join us as we explore the outlook for agriculture and the policy landscape in the year ahead.

Ep. 21 2025 Crop Enterprise Budgets Review
In today’s edition of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley is joined by Breana Watkins to dive into the latest discussions surrounding the 2025 crop enterprise budgets. Breana explains what’s on the horizon for the upcoming farming year, offering insights into key trends, anticipated costs, and market dynamics that farmers are keeping an eye on as they plan for 2025.

Ep. 20 Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Rainfall Index Insurance Deadline is December 1st
In today’s episode of the Morning Coffee and Ag Markets podcast, Riley and Dr. Biram are joined by special guests Dr. James Mitchell, Professor and Extension Livestock Economist Specialist at the University of Arkansas, and graduate student Walker Davis. First, we provide an overview of PRF Insurance (Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance), a risk management tool designed to help producers protect against the financial impact of weather-related losses in these critical areas of agriculture

Ep. 19 Part 2 Just Having Fun!
In this lighthearted episode, we continue the conversation from Part 1 with our special guest, John McMinn from Arkansas Farm Bureau. What started as a roundtable discussion on the latest ag news and markets quickly transforms into a casual coffee shop chat. Riley, Hunter, Ryan, and John take a break from the usual stats and headlines to dive into fun, offbeat topics.

Ep. 19 Part 1 2024 Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Advocacy Efforts with John McMinn
In Episode 19 of Morning Coffee & Ag Markets, Riley hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Biram, Dr. Loy, and special guest John McMinn from Arkansas Farm Bureau. The panel dives into the exciting details surrounding the 90th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention, set for December 4-6 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Ep. 18 Seeking Participants for a Rice Crop Insurance Participation Study!
Riley is joined by Dr. Ryan Loy, who is seeking participants for a new study focused on rice crop insurance. This research aims to better understand the challenges and needs of rice producers when it comes to crop insurance options. Dr. Loy shares details on how farmers can get involved…

Ep. 17 Can Yield Upside Risk Eclipse Price Downside Risk Protection in ECO Crop Insurance?
Join Riley and Hunter tackle a pressing question: Can yield upside risk eclipse price downside risk protection in ECO crop insurance? With a blend of industry insights and market analysis, they’ll explore how current trends in crop yields and prices impact the effectiveness of ECO crop insurance..

Ep. 16 Arkansas Net Farm Income to Decline for Second Straight Year
Riley Smith welcomes Dr. Hunter Biram for a deep dive into the latest updates on Arkansas net farm income, which is projected to decline for the second straight year. They discuss the key factors driving this decline, including market conditions, input costs, and weather challenges…

Ep. 15 USDA’s October WASDE Yields Few Changes, Stable Price Outlook
Join your host Riley Smith in this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets as he welcomes Scott Stiles for an insightful discussion on the latest developments in the agricultural sector. Fresh off the press, Scott brings an in-depth update on the WASDE report released on October 11th…

Ep. 14 Views from the 2024 Southern Outlook Conference – Looking at Risk Management for 2025
Join Hunter and Ryan in this insightful episode of Morning Coffee and AG Markets as they attend the Southern Extension Outlook Meeting, featuring special guests Dr. Grant Gardner from the University of Kentucky and Dr. Will Maples from Mississippi State University…

Ep. 13 Port Strikes – How it affects Cotton Producers in Arkansas
Riley is joined by Mr. Scott Stiles via Zoom for our very first remote podcast! Tune in as Scott dives deep into the port strikes on the Gulf and East Coast. He discusses how these disruptions are impacting cotton producers in Arkansas and the broader implications for the global market….

Ep. 12 – Oklahoma State University: Wildlife Food Plot Budgeting Tool
Join Riley and Ryan in this insightful episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets as they dive into the OSU Wildlife Food Plot Budgeting Tool. They’ll explore how this innovative tool can transform your land management strategies and enhance your hunting opportunities…

Ep. 11 Rate Shift: The Fed’s Bold 50 Basis Point Cut
Join Riley and Ryan on this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets for your go-to source on the latest in agricultural markets and financial trends. In this episode, we dive into the recent updates on federal fund rates, exploring the implications of the Fed’s bold 50 basis point cut…

Ep. 10 Price Risk Protection for the 2025 Crop Year Using Margin Protection Crop Insurance
Riley and Dr. Biram are back in the studio at the state office, as they break down how Margin Protection Crop Insurance works, its benefits, and its impact on managing financial risk in agriculture. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, a new entrant in the industry, or simply curious about how insurance can shield your crops and bottom line…

Ep. 9 Review of September 2024 USDA Farm Sector Income Forecast
Join Riley, Hunter, and Ryan gather around the roundtable to dissect the September 2024 USDA Farm Sector Income Forecast. Dive into their expert analysis on how the latest forecast impacts agricultural markets, farm incomes, and what it means for the future of farming…
Media Contact
Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
(501) 671-2006 | mhightower@uada.edu