Community Briefs March 30

Downtown Juneteenth event set

The community is invited to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s third annual Juneteenth in the Bluff: An Arts and Culture Festival from 5-11 p.m. June 19 in the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District (Main Street and Third Avenue).

This free, community-wide celebration is Southeast Arkansas’ largest Juneteenth festival, according to a news release.

“Last year, more than 2,800 people joined us, and we are building on that energy this year,” according to the release.

The Juneteenth festival will feature:

Live music and entertainment;

Arts, crafts, and interactive creative activities;

Regional food trucks and culinary showcases;

Family-friendly attractions and youth activities;

HBCU Line Dance Challenge.

Farmers tax exemption card available

Arkansas farmers now have a simpler way to claim agricultural sales tax exemptions thanks to a new identification card program, yet many producers may not realize it exists, according to Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration recently introduced the Farmers Sales Tax Exemption Card, created through state legislation to streamline purchases related to farm operations,” he said. “The wallet-sized card allows eligible producers to verify tax-exempt status at the point of sale rather than completing exemption paperwork each time they make a purchase.”

English said the change could save farmers time and reduce confusion during routine transactions.

“Many small and limited-resource farmers still rely on paper exemption forms or aren’t sure whether they qualify,” he said. “This card gives them a clear, consistent way to show eligibility and helps businesses know immediately that the purchase is agricultural in nature.”

The exemption covers commonly used farm inputs such as livestock, feed, seed, fertilizer, chemicals and machinery.

Farmers can apply online through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point portal, and once approved, the card is mailed directly to the applicant.

The card costs $20 and remains valid for eight years, with a $10 renewal fee. It includes the farm’s name, address, issue date and a unique identification number. English said the program is optional but beneficial, particularly for small producers who frequently purchase supplies in person.

“Anything that reduces paperwork and speeds up transactions gives farmers more time to focus on production,” he said. “We want our producers to take advantage of tools that make running a farm easier.”

The UAPB Small Farm Program will continue sharing information and assisting farmers who need help determining eligibility or completing the application.

For assistance, producers can contact the UAPB Small Farm Program at leek@uapb.edu or visit the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point website to apply.

Project raises $45K for youth learning

The Arkansas 4-H Foundation has $45,000 more to fund scholarships and supply the needs of the Arkansas 4-H youth development program, thanks to donations during the sixth annual March 17 Giving Day.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the more than 300 donors and matching partners who invested about $45,000 for Arkansas youth in just a single day,” John Thomas, managing director of the foundation, said in a news release. “That’s not just a number. That’s opportunity. That’s confidence. That’s leadership in the making.”

Donors from 25 counties participated. Thomas said that Calhoun County led the state in participation, with a rate of 4.85 donors per 1,000 residents. Clark County was second at 2.94 donors per 1,000 residents. Lafayette County was third at 2.54 donors per 1,000 residents.

Arkansas 4-H is the largest youth organization in the state, with more than 131,000 youth members and a reach of more than 250,000 Arkansas youth. It offers a variety of hands-on learning opportunities and allows youth to explore different topics such as art, agriculture, civic engagement, health, outdoor skills, science and more. 4-H programs are free and available in all 75 Arkansas counties.

Through the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, donors invest $150,000 annually in students through college scholarships, event sponsorships and program hosting.