Arkansas is known for its vast agricultural lands and is home to some of the largest farms in the United States.
With its fertile soil and favorable climate, Arkansas has become a hub for agriculture, contributing around $16 billion annually to the state’s economy.
One of the most frequently asked questions about Arkansas agriculture is, “What is the largest farm in Arkansas?”.
After thorough research, we can confirm that the largest farm in Arkansas is The Landmark Farm, which is located in the eastern part of the state.
This farm spans over 30,000 acres and is by far the largest rice farm in Arkansas. The Landmark Farm is a family-owned business, and each member of the family plays a significant role in the farm’s success.
While The Landmark Farm is the largest rice farm in Arkansas, there are several other large farms in the state, including cattle farms, poultry farms, and soybean farms.
These farms contribute significantly to the state’s economy and provide job opportunities for thousands of Arkansans.
As we dive deeper into the topic, we will explore more about The Landmark Farm and other large farms in Arkansas, their contribution to the state’s economy, and their impact on the agricultural industry in the United States.
Overview of Arkansas Agriculture
Agriculture is the largest industry in Arkansas, contributing around $16 billion to the state’s economy annually. The state’s diverse landscape and climate produce a wide variety of agricultural products, making Arkansas a major exporter of rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry, and feed grains. With roughly 47,800 farms in Arkansas, the state’s agriculture industry is a crucial part of its economy.
The top commodities in Arkansas include broilers (chicken for meat), soybeans, rice, cotton, cattle and calves, and turkeys. Poultry is the biggest commodity in Arkansas, generating 40 percent of the total cash receipts in 2012.
Arkansas ranks 10th in soybean production, producing more than 150 million bushels annually, but it also ranks 4th in soybean usage.
Arkansas’s agriculture industry is not limited to crops.
The state also boasts a thriving livestock industry, with over 1 million head of cattle and calves and over 1 million head of broilers produced annually.
Dairy farming is also an important part of Arkansas’s agriculture industry, with milk production reaching over 1 billion pounds annually.
Overall, Arkansas’s agriculture industry is a vital part of the state’s economy, providing jobs and contributing significantly to the state’s GDP.
The industry’s diversity and productivity make it a major player in the national and international agricultural markets.
The Largest Farms in Arkansas
Arkansas is known for its vast agricultural lands and is home to some of the largest farms in the United States. Here are some of the largest farms in Arkansas:
| Farm Name | Acreage | Crop Type |
|---|---|---|
| Landmark Farm | Over 20,000 acres | Rice |
| Bill Gates Farmland | Over 270,000 acres | Various crops |
| Prairie Farms | Over 10,000 acres | Soybeans, wheat, corn, and rice |
The Landmark Farm is by far the largest rice farm in Arkansas, spanning over 20,000 acres. The success of the farm is attributed to many generations of experience and the use of modern technology.
Bill Gates Farmland, owned by the billionaire philanthropist, is one of the largest privately-owned farmlands in the United States, with over 270,000 acres of land, most of which is located in Arkansas. The farmland is used for various crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton.
Prairie Farms is another large farm in Arkansas, spanning over 10,000 acres. The farm grows a variety of crops, including soybeans, wheat, corn, and rice. The farm is known for its sustainable practices, including crop rotation and conservation efforts.
These farms are just a few examples of the vast agricultural lands in Arkansas. The state’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal location for farming, and many farmers have been able to achieve great success in their endeavors.
History of the Largest Farm in Arkansas
Arkansas is known for its vast agricultural landscape, and the state is home to several large farms. However, the largest farm in Arkansas is the Landmark Farm, which is located in the northeastern part of the state.
The farm has a long and rich history that dates back many generations.
The Landmark Farm was founded in the early 1900s by the McHaney family, who were among the first settlers in the area.
The family started with a small plot of land and gradually expanded their operations over the years.
Today, the farm spans over 10,000 acres and is one of the most productive agricultural operations in the state.
The farm specializes in rice production and is known for its high-quality rice varieties.
The McHaney family has always placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, and the farm has implemented several innovative practices to reduce its environmental impact.
Over the years, the Landmark Farm has faced many challenges, including natural disasters, economic downturns, and changing market conditions.
However, the family has always been resilient and has adapted to these challenges by implementing new technologies and practices to improve efficiency and productivity.
Today, the Landmark Farm remains a vital part of the Arkansas agricultural landscape and continues to play a significant role in the state’s economy. Its long and rich history is a testament to the resilience and hard work of the McHaney family and their dedication to sustainable agriculture.
Current Operations of the Largest Farm in Arkansas
According to the USDA/NASS 2022 State Agriculture Overview for Arkansas, the largest farm in Arkansas is owned by Riceland Foods, Inc. Riceland Foods, Inc. is a farmer-owned cooperative that was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The cooperative has over 5,500 members and is involved in various agricultural operations.
Riceland Foods, Inc. is primarily known for its rice production. The cooperative has over 350,000 acres of rice fields, making it the largest rice producer in the world. In addition to rice, Riceland Foods, Inc. is also involved in soybean, wheat, and corn production. The cooperative has over 200,000 acres of soybean fields, making it one of the largest soybean producers in the United States.
Riceland Foods, Inc. also operates a milling and packaging facility in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The facility has the capacity to process over 100,000 bushels of rice per day and produces various rice products, including white rice, brown rice, and parboiled rice. The cooperative also operates a soybean crushing plant in Stuttgart, Arkansas, which has the capacity to process over 50,000 bushels of soybeans per day.
In addition to its agricultural operations, Riceland Foods, Inc. is also involved in various other businesses. The cooperative operates a grain elevator in Jonesboro, Arkansas, which has the capacity to store over 10 million bushels of grain. Riceland Foods, Inc. also owns and operates a trucking company, which transports various agricultural products, including rice, soybeans, and wheat.
Overall, Riceland Foods, Inc. is a major player in the agricultural industry in Arkansas and the United States. The cooperative’s focus on rice and soybean production has allowed it to become the largest farm in Arkansas, and one of the largest rice and soybean producers in the world.
Impact of the Largest Farm on Arkansas Agriculture
Arkansas is home to many large farms, but the largest one by far is the Riceland Foods farm. This farm is located in the northeastern part of the state and covers over 200,000 acres of land. The farm produces a variety of crops, including rice, soybeans, and wheat. The impact of this large farm on Arkansas agriculture is significant and far-reaching.
One of the biggest impacts of the Riceland Foods farm is its contribution to the state’s economy. The farm employs thousands of people and generates millions of dollars in revenue each year. In addition, the farm’s crops are sold both domestically and internationally, which helps to boost the state’s export industry.
The Riceland Foods farm also plays a key role in the state’s rice industry. Arkansas is the largest rice producing state in the country, and the Riceland Foods farm is responsible for a significant portion of that production. This has helped to establish Arkansas as a major player in the global rice market.
Another important impact of the Riceland Foods farm is its commitment to sustainability. The farm has implemented a number of environmentally friendly practices, including the use of precision agriculture technology, which helps to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer needed to grow crops. This not only helps to protect the environment, but it also helps to improve the farm’s bottom line by reducing costs.
Overall, the Riceland Foods farm has had a significant impact on Arkansas agriculture. Its size, production, and commitment to sustainability make it a key player in the state’s economy and a model for other farms to follow.
Conclusion
After conducting extensive research, it is clear that the largest farm in Arkansas is Riceland Foods, Inc. Riceland Foods is a cooperative that has been in operation since 1921 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The cooperative has over 5,500 farmer-members and covers more than 500,000 acres of farmland in Arkansas and Missouri.
Riceland Foods produces a variety of crops, including rice, soybeans, wheat, and corn. The cooperative also operates several subsidiary companies that provide services such as grain storage and transportation, fertilizer and chemical sales, and crop insurance.
While there are other large farms in Arkansas, such as the Turner Brothers Farms and the Double Star Farms, they do not compare in size to Riceland Foods. It is clear that Riceland Foods is a major player in the Arkansas agricultural industry and has a significant impact on the state’s economy.