GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS NOVEMBER ARKANSAS SOYBEAN MONTH, COMMENDING THE WORK OF ARKANSAS SOYBEAN PRODUCERS
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward (right) and Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Administrator Mark Lambert (left) pose for a photo during a proclamation presentation held Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to kickoff Arkansas Soybean Month 2020.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 5, 2020) - This month, Gov. Asa Hutchinson is recognizing the state's No. 1 row crop by declaring November Arkansas Soybean Month in honor of soybean producers and the significant economic impact of the soybean industry. Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward met with the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) this week to present the proclamation on the Governor's behalf.
"Agriculture is our state's number one industry, contributing more than $21 billion in economic value to the state's economy and providing more than 269,000 jobs, one of every six jobs, in the state. Arkansas ranks 11th in the nation for soybean production, and we appreciate the many farm families who make the soybean industry such an important part of Arkansas's diverse agricultural industry," said Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward.
Last year Arkansas harvested 2.61 million acres, yielding 128 million bushels. Covering more acres in Arkansas than rice, corn, sorghum and wheat combined, the Arkansas soybean industry contributed $1.15 billion to the state's economy in 2019. Known for its versatility, the commonly referred to "miracle bean" can be found in a variety of forms in supermarkets, hardware stores, biodiesel and more. Additionally, soy plays a significant role in animal nutrition. High in protein, amino acids and energy, soybeans are one of the best livestock feed ingredients available.
"Arkansas Soybean Month is a time to celebrate the soybean producers who work tirelessly to keep soybeans the top row crop in Arkansas. Soybeans are crucial to the agriculture industry in Arkansas, and the agriculture industry helps drive Arkansas's economy," said Donald Morton, chairman of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) and Prairie County soybean grower. "We are proud Arkansas producers, and we're grateful for our consumers."
Gov. Hutchinson, Secretary Ward, and the ASPB invite all Arkansans to follow ASPB on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for ideas about how to celebrate Arkansas Soybean Month. You can also visit the ASPB website at TheMiracleBean.com to find recipes, career and research videos and podcasts, and meet the farmer-leaders who serve on the ASPB.
To learn more about the Arkansas soybean industry, watch The Arkansas Soybean Brand Documentary, a short, two-and-a-half minute video offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to sustain this valuable industry.
Watch a special video message from Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward, here.
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Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board is led by nine volunteer farmer-leaders nominated by various producer organizations in Arkansas and appointed by the Governor. Soybeans are Arkansas's top row crop with approximately 3 million acres planted each year, generating an annual economic impact of $2 billion. Arkansas is consistently ranked among the top ten soybean producing states nationally, exporting 50 percent of its crop. ASPB invests more than $2.2 million in research each year as part of its commitment to the continued sustainability of the Arkansas soybean industry. Learn more by visiting www.themiraclebean.com