Convention Preparation
We are excited to announce that registration is open for our 66th Annual Convention & Trade Show! This cornerstone event for cattlemen and cattlewomen across Arkansas promises a blend of education, networking, and entertainment. This year, we have adjusted the schedule to include new educational sessions in our Cattlemen's College series, the return of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation Benefit Auction, and live music by Arkansas native Cory Jackson.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with fellow cattlemen and cattlewomen and gain insights that can enhance your operations. Register today and join us in Hot Springs at the end of this month!
Important Dates and Information:
Pre-registration Cutoff: July 15
Price Increase: Prices will increase at the door.
Accommodation Update: Embassy Suites is already full. Book your room at Hotel Hot Springs by calling (501) 623-6600 and asking for the ACA rate or visiting this link.
Grant Available: There is a grant available that can reimburse you for your costs to attend the convention, including registration and hotel costs. Apply at this link.
More Information: For everything you need to know about the convention and to register, visit our website.
Farm Bill Framework Unveiled by Senator Boozman
In June, Senator John Boozman unveiled his framework for the Farm Bill. The ACA is proud to have collaborated with him on priorities for cattle producers. The committee and Senator Boozman have committed to putting more focus on farming in the farm bill, reflecting the feedback from listening sessions held across the nation over the last two years. This framework closely resembles the House Farm Bill which has passed out of committee.
Areas of Interest for Cattle Producers:
Increases funding for conservation programs by more than 25%
Provides a permanent baseline and increases funding for the feral hog eradication program
Doubles mandatory funding for critical animal health programs
Provides new funding opportunities for small meat and poultry processing establishments
Creates a narrow pathway for the online interstate sale of certain state-inspected meat
We are grateful for our delegation in DC fighting for agriculture. Read more about the farm bill framework here.
New Member Resources for Arkansas Cattle Producers
We are pleased to announce new member resources, including improved directories. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we created the Arkansas Beef Directory to connect consumers with local beef. We have now expanded it to include a Large Animal Veterinarian Directory, Processing Plant Directory, Livestock Market Directory, and the Hay Network. These directories provide easy access to commonly needed resources all in one location.
Visit all of the directories here. Companies interested in being included in the directories can submit their information via the form on each webpage or by calling our office at 501-224-2114.
New ACA Merch
Y'all have spoken, and we have answered!
Introducing the 2024 ACA merch, including shirts, hats, and knives, available for pre-order. Items can only be picked up at the 2024 ACA Annual Convention & Trade Show on July 26 & 27 in Hot Springs. If your order is not picked up at the convention, a shipping fee will be charged at a later date.
Preorder Deadline: July 11
Order your merch now at our trading post.
Cattlemen's Choice Replacement Heifer Pen Show
The purpose of the Cattlemen's Choice Replacement Heifer Pen Show is to highlight the very best of the Arkansas replacement cattle herd. This show is meant to encourage the livestock youth of Arkansas to be actively engaged in production practices of beef cattle husbandry and genetic evaluation and selection of quality replacement heifers.
Deadlines:
ACA Registration Deadline: August 1 (Register here)
State Fair Entry Deadline: Early Fall
Both registrations must be completed to participate in the show. More information, details, and rules can be found on our website.
Celebrating 65 Years of the ACA
This month marks the 65th anniversary of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association. Since its inception in 1959, the ACA has dedicated itself to serving cattle producers through legislative representation, educational opportunities, advocacy, and the development of the next generation of industry leaders. The ACA invites supporters to join the 65-year campaign to continue this legacy of service and advancement. Join in support here.
Now that June has concluded and we're beginning July we're excited to continue this momentum by seeing everyone at the Convention and announcing where we ended the membership year! As always, we're grateful for our members' support of the ACA!
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