Arkansas farm bankruptcy filings reach 32 in 9 months, nearly matching all of 2025

Arkansas has seen an alarming number of farmer bankruptcies over the past few years, and 2026 is no exception.

The state has nearly reached its 2025 Chapter 12 bankruptcy total in just the first nine months of 2026.

Here's what to know

An October University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture report cited by K8 News put Arkansas' third-quarter Chapter 12 filings higher than any other state in 2026.

Citing American Farm Bureau Federation figures, the report found that 32 agricultural operations had filed for protection during the first nine months of 2026.

The university division's figures, drawn from the American Farm Bureau Federation, show that filings through September 2026 exceeded twice the total for all of 2024. 

Arkansas also ranked first nationally in 2025, recording 33 filings.

Some farmers are seeking Chapter 12 protection to keep their operations running, while others are leaving agriculture entirely. The station described "farmers in their 20s to 60s" walking away from the industry.

More background

Jonesboro managing attorney Joel Hargis said farmers face pressures resembling those behind Chapter 12's creation in the 1980s. K8 News reported that the bankruptcy protection was established to help family farmers struggling with debt.

There was hope in 2021 when filings finally began to drop, for the first time in roughly a decade.

The decline, however, was short-lived, according to Hargis. Filings began climbing again within a few years after 2021.

After receiving so many Chapter 12 filings, Hargis decided to take Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases only by referral.

What's being done?

Hargis called for state and federal support for farmers, telling K8 News that government officials must deliver a broader solution.

In the comments section, one person said they were considering another source of income.

"We are holding on. Solar is sounding real good though, they are paying WELL. We have to feed our families too."

Another commenter called for regenerative farming focused on communities.

Hargis is also concerned about who will operate farms as families leave the business.

"It's heartbreaking actually. I had men and women from mid 20s to late 60s, 'I'm out. I gotta get out. I can't do this anymore.' I am very concerned about corporate farms because when you get into that corporate level, it's all about the money."

Where can I learn more?

Arkansas farmers aren't alone in facing rising costs and uncertain income. These stories look at U.S. farm losses, fertilizer prices, Missouri farm stays, and Japan's rice market.

• A claim linking U.S. farm losses to data centers faces questions about the evidence.

• Iowa farmers and water utilities face rising fertilizer costs as industry giants profit.

• USDA asks Iowa farmers to share fertilizer pricing stories amid an FTC probe.

• Missouri farmers turn to farm stays for income as rising costs squeeze operations.

• Japan released rice reserves to cool prices, but farmers warn some may quit.

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