Several farm families from the River Valley are among those recognized in the 2026 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program, an annual tradition that highlights excellence in agriculture and community leadership across the state.
Among this year’s honorees are families representing Sebastian, Franklin, and Logan counties, each selected for their commitment to farming, stewardship of resources, and involvement in their local communities.
- Sebastian County — Nathan and Melanie Sterling, Hartford
- Franklin County — Nick and Gina Durning, Ozark
- Logan County — Ross and June Rogers, Scranton
The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program, established in 1947, aims to recognize farm families who demonstrate outstanding agricultural practices while contributing positively to their communities. Selection criteria include efficiency of production, conservation efforts, leadership in agricultural and civic activities, and overall farm and home management.
Participation in the program is voluntary and varies by county each year.
Organizers say the recognition not only celebrates individual families, but also underscores the critical role agriculture plays in Arkansas communities and the state’s economy.
Judges will now visit selected farms statewide to determine eight District Farm Families of the Year. Those honorees will be announced June 9. The overall Arkansas Farm Family of the Year will be named in December and will go on to represent the state at the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition in Georgia.
The program is sponsored by the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, with additional support from state and federal agricultural agencies and organizations.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau, a nonprofit organization representing more than 160,000 families, continues to advocate for agriculture and rural communities throughout the state.
