Josh Cureton
As a sixth-generation farmer, Josh Cureton has been working alongside his family on their property near Cash, Arkansas his whole life. According to him, farming is in his blood, and it is something he’s known he wanted to do since a very early age.
Josh gained the practical skills to grow crops from his father, and supplemented that knowledge with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Arkansas State University, where he graduated cum laude.
For Josh, his interest in agriculture stems from his love of growing things and watching new life emerge. This extends to his family, to which he says his work is dedicated, remarking how his efforts allow him to provide his wife and children a good life and opportunities for the future.
Personal motto: Work hard at what you can control and let God take care of the rest.
Roles outside of ASPB: Josh is involved in Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation where he has held various positions at the county and state level.
What kind of impact do you think ASPB has: Josh believes ASPB has plays a large role, but there will always be more work to do. As the general public becomes more disconnected to production agriculture, farmers are tasked with educating consumers about the growing of soybeans in the state. People want to hear our story. They want to know their food supply is not only sustainable, but their safety and the safety of the environment is a top priority. Occasionally, he speaks at career fairs and has discovered that farming has become a bit of a novelty to young people. They are eager to ask questions and he stresses that not all jobs in agriculture involve driving a tractor. They are surprised to hear about 20% of the jobs in our state are agribusiness.
Favorite soy foods: Arkansas raised catfish filets deep fried with a side of hushpuppies
What is most interesting to you about soybeans and their uses: The most interesting thing is the diversity of products. They are in food, industrial, and biofuel products, including meat, plastics, carpet, and asphalt.