Department of Agriculture
Supporting Arkansas farmers and ranchers while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of Arkansas, the nation, and across the globe
Arkansas Beef Council
Overview
The Arkansas Beef Council was created to promote the growth and development of the beef cattle industry in Arkansas by research, promotion, and market development. The board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate as follows:
- Four cattle producers actively and principally engaged in the cattle industry from each of the four congressional districts
- Two cattle producers actively and principally engaged in the cattle industry from the state at large
- One active Arkansas livestock market operator representing the state at large
The members are appointed for three-year terms. Board activities are funded by an assessment of $1.00 per head on all cattle sold in the state, with 50 cents remitted to the federal Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the remainder retained by the state.
Learn more about the Arkansas Beef Council here.
Research and Promotion Project Proposals
The Arkansas Beef Council is accepting grant proposals for beef research and promotion projects. Research proposals must be submitted by April 25, 2025 and promotion proposals must be submitted by April 30, 2025.
Proposals should not exceed five pages and must:
- State the goals and objectives of the proposed project.
- State the expected benefits to the Arkansas beef industry from the proposed research or promotion.
- Include a budget and explain how the entity will be accountable for its use of the requested funds.
- Date(s) or duration of the proposed project- only projects that are executed during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) will be considered.
Proposals should be submitted online here. Attachments should be uploaded to the application form.
Guidelines for approval of programs under the Beef Promotion and Research Act are available here.
For more information, please contact Tillman Treat at [email protected] or (501) 516-7946.
Board Members
| Name | Location | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Michael McMillan | Hot Springs Village | 2026 |
| Jerry Christie | Nashville | 2023 |
| Michael Lee | Conway | 2024 |
| Sam Cecil | Russellville | 2024 |
| Caleb Plyler | Hope | 2025 |
| Robert Campbell | Witt Springs | 2025 |
| Sharon Kay Casey | Malvern | 2025 |
Administrator: Patrick Fisk
