Arkansas State Senator Blake Johnson joined Conduit News to discuss the growing crisis in agriculture, calling it the most urgent issue facing rural Arkansas. Johnson described a recent town hall in Brookland where hundreds of farmers left their fields to voice concerns. He warned that high production costs, combined with inflation and low commodity prices, threaten the future of local farming.
“If something’s not done, the Delta area will be impacted greatly.” – Sen. Blake Johnson (00:02:30)
00:03:25 – 00:05:15
Johnson traced the roots of the crisis to years of inflation and outdated federal reference prices that haven’t been updated in over a decade. While tariffs played a role, he said they were “the last nail” rather than the cause.
“Four years of inflation due to overspending has helped bring us to this point.” (00:03:25)
00:05:33 – 00:07:53
The senator warned that the ripple effects would hit banks, suppliers, and entire rural communities. He urged federal officials to waive interest on marketing assistance loans, saying many farmers can’t break even at current grain prices.
00:09:00 – 00:11:38
On foreign land ownership, Johnson reaffirmed support for banning adversarial nations from buying Arkansas farmland. He noted the state’s $500 million investment in Israeli bonds was different, calling Israel a “trade partner,” unlike hostile nations.
“I don’t want our enemies to be enriched by our gratitude.” (00:09:21)
00:12:34 – 00:15:00
Turning to renewable energy, Johnson criticized government subsidies for wind and solar projects, saying they should remain supplemental rather than core energy sources. He warned that projects consuming farmland or leaving behind abandoned turbines pose long-term risks.
“Renewables are like a trolling motor—you still need the big engine to move the boat.” (00:13:08)
00:17:35 – 00:19:44
Johnson also addressed the rise of data centers, noting that Arkansas must balance competitiveness with protecting resources.
On his upcoming primary challenge from Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge, Johnson emphasized his role as the only row crop agriculture producer in the legislature.
“It’s not really a race until the papers are signed, but I am the only row crop agriculture producer in the Arkansas legislature.” (00:20:24)
