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Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USA Rice Partner to Expand Rice in Schools Program

26/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –USA Rice Federation has donated 10 commercial rice cookers to support the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Rice in Schools Program, expanding participating schools’ ability to serve Arkansas-grown rice in cafeterias across the state. The donated equipment will help schools prepare rice-based meals more efficiently, improving students’ access to nutritious, locally sourced foods while strengthening connections between students and Arkansas agriculture. “Through Arkansas Rice in Schools, a key part of the Arkansas Plate Initiative, we’re increasing the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meals while strengthening the connection between students, agriculture, and good nutrition,” said Governor Sanders.

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Governor Sanders to Deploy Arkansas Forestry Personnel for Wildfire and Storm Response

19/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has authorized the deployment of Arkansas Department of Agriculture forestry personnel to support wildfire suppression in Oklahoma and urban tree recovery in Tennessee, highlighting the state’s commitment to regional cooperation and public safety. “No one stands alone when it comes to responding to disasters,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Arkansas is proud to join forces with states across the region in Oklahoma and Tennessee to support wildfire suppression and storm recovery. These deployments demonstrate the power of collaboration and the dedication of our personnel to help their neighbors whenever

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Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Approves $2.86 Million in Funding

19/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board approved $2,860,000 in funding for five promotion projects at its February 5, 2026 meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of the state’s rice industry. “Arkansas is the largest rice-producing state in the United States, and the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board plays a vital role in supporting our rice farmers,” said Jim Whitaker, Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board Chair. “By investing in promotion of rice through assessment collections today, the board increases market access and demand for Arkansas rice both domestically and

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Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board Approves $1.26 Million in Funding

18/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board approved $1,266,859 in funding for 28 research and promotion projects at its February 2–3, 2026 meeting. The approved projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas’s corn and grain sorghum industries. “The Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board plays a vital role in supporting our state’s corn and grain sorghum farmers,” said Trent Dabbs, Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board Chair. “By investing assessment dollars into research and promotion efforts, the board helps provide the tools and resources producers need to improve profitability and

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State Agencies Urge Public to Avoid Contact With Wild Birds Due to Avian Influenza

12/02/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –Arkansas agriculture and health agencies are urging the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially birds that appear sick or are found dead, due to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Arkansas. Testing has confirmed HPAI in wild birds and in backyard and commercial flocks statewide. Wild birds, particularly migrating waterfowl, are the primary source of virus spread to domestic poultry and other birds. Agencies warn that handling sick or dead wild birds, or bringing them into homes, barns, or vehicles, can spread the virus and pose risks to people, pets, and domestic

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Cleveland County

19/12/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Cleveland County. Following an investigation by the Department in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, testing confirmed the presence of HPAI in poultry from the affected farm. The farm is under quarantine, and the Department is working to implement response and containment measures in accordance with established protocols. These actions include sampling and quarantining nearby poultry flocks. “We have taken immediate action to contain this disease and will continue to work with poultry

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Proposes Rule Changes Related to Feral Hog Control

17/12/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is proposing changes to two regulatory rules, including amendments to the Arkansas Rules on Pesticide Use that would establish a new classification of pesticide commonly used as feral hog bait. The Arkansas State Plant Board approved the draft rule changes during its meeting on December 8. Under the authority of Ark. Code § 20-20-206, the proposed amendments would create a new pesticide classification, Class J, to include pesticides containing warfarin when used as a feral hog intoxicant. The amendment outlines requirements for dealers and applicators, including training, licensing, recordkeeping, and

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Arkansas Agriculture Research and Promotion Boards Open Funding Opportunities

05/12/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Four of Arkansas’s agriculture commodity research and promotion boards are currently accepting proposals for research and promotion projects. The boards exist to support the growth and market development of the state’s agricultural industries. Funded through assessments on the commodities they represent, these boards invest in research, marketing, and promotion initiatives that benefit producers and strengthen Arkansas agriculture. During the last fiscal year, the boards allocated $11.5 million to support research and promotion efforts. “Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, and these boards play a vital role in supporting our farmers and ranchers,” said Arkansas Secretary of

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Governor Sanders Inducts 42 Family Farms into the Arkansas Century Farm Program

02/12/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today recognized 42 Arkansas farm families as the newest inductees into the Arkansas Century Farm Program. The Arkansas Century Farm Program honors farms of 10 acres or more that have been owned by the same family for at least 100 years. Established by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture in 2012, the program highlights the enduring contributions of these families to the state’s agriculture industry. Participation is voluntary and offered at no cost to families. “Our Century Farm inductees do more than just farm – they have a legacy of leadership that

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Governor Sanders Pardons Prize-Winning Turkeys Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday

20/11/2025

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders pardoned two turkeys, “Lilly” and “Sprinkles,” today during an event celebrating Arkansas’s turkey industry. The birds were raised by Caroline and Adeline Dixon of Morrilton, members of Conway County 4-H whose turkeys were named grand champion and reserve grand champion at the Conway County Fair. During the event, Governor Sanders proclaimed November 23-29 as Arkansas Turkey Week. Governor Sanders also thanked Butterball for donating a total of 58,000 pounds of turkey products this year to the Arkansas Foodbank, Arkansas River Valley Regional Foodbank, and Northwest Arkansas Foodbank. “Thanksgiving is about good

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