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Wombat Burger Named Arkansas Best Burger by the Arkansas Beef Council

28/05/2026

DELIGHT, AR — The Arkansas Beef Council today announced that the winner of the 3rd Annual Arkansas Best Burger Contest is the Wombat Burger from Eoff’s Food Trailer in Delight, Arkansas. This statewide competition celebrates Arkansas restaurants and their commitment to using 100% beef in crafting their burgers. The contest received 3,249 nominations from across the state during the April 1–30 nomination period, the highest participation in the contest’s history. Five regional finalists were selected based on total nominations: Among the finalists, the Wombat Burger received the most nominations statewide. The burger includes two ground chuck patties, white and

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Volunteer Fire Departments Receive Wildland Fire Kits from Arkansas Department of Agriculture

21/05/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has awarded wildland fire suppression kits to 65 rural fire departments across 36 Arkansas counties. A full list of kit recipients is available on the Department’s website. “Our rural volunteer fire departments play an essential role in Arkansas’ wildfire response,” said Arkansas State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “These kits ensure that the firefighters who know their communities best have the tools they need to respond quickly and safely. Their commitment and expertise remain vital in protecting lives and property across the state.” Each kit includes essential wildfire suppression tools and protective gear,

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Distributes Over 12,350 Tree Seedlings

20/05/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s sixth annual Free Tree Fridays campaign successfully distributed 12,350 tree seedlings across the state during 30 events held each Friday from March 20 through April 24. A total of 3,200 Arkansans participated in the events, celebrating Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our communities. Each giveaway featured a variety of tree species native to Arkansas including shumard oak, overcup oak, sycamore, and pecan. The campaign aims to promote the many benefits of trees while encouraging proper planting techniques and the use of native species. “Free Tree Fridays continues

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Arkansas Beef Council Approves $132,000 in Funding for Research and Promotion

19/05/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Beef Council today announced $132,000 in funding for research and promotion projects. The selected projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas’ beef industry. “Investing Beef Council dollars in research and promotion is vital to the strength and future of our state’s beef industry,” said Caleb Plyler, a beef producer in Hempstead County and Chairman of the Arkansas Beef Council. “This funding supports innovation, builds consumer trust, and helps ensure our producers remain competitive for years to come.” The Council received 25 proposals requesting more than $632,000 in funding. Of those, 13

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Foresters for the Future Scholarship Application Period Open Through June 1

14/05/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), is now accepting applications for the Foresters for the Future Scholarship. The scholarship provides $4,000 per semester for four years to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. Recipients will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through paid internships with the Department’s Forestry Division. Applications are due June 1, and interested students can learn more and apply here. “We are proud to continue our partnership with UAM to invest in

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Governor Sanders Proclaims May as Arkansas Beef Month, Dairy Month, Egg Month, and Strawberry Month

08/05/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined agriculture leaders and industry partners today at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s annual cookout proclaiming May as Arkansas Beef Month, Dairy Month, Egg Month, and Strawberry Month. The proclamations highlight the state’s beef, dairy, egg, and strawberry industries and the value they contribute to Arkansas’s economy. “We are so thankful for all of the people who work so hard to put food on our tables, and that agriculture continues to be the number one industry in the State of Arkansas,” said Governor Sanders. “Today, we get to celebrate that, we

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Reminder: Public Comment Deadline for Water Financing Rules

29/04/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting public comments on proposed amendments to water financing rules, including the creation of a new grant program. Comments will be accepted through May 5. The proposed amendments update existing rules to incorporate the new Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Matching Grant Program, update regulatory language, and improve processes for communities seeking water‑related funding and approvals. Comments may be submitted by email or mail through the deadline. More information about the proposed amendments and how to submit comments is available online here. The new Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Accepting Proposals for 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant

24/04/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) through May 8, 2026. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Arkansas’s specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture, and tree nuts. Eligible applicants include universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, industry groups, community-based organizations, and individuals. Proposed projects must demonstrate the potential to benefit the broader specialty crop industry and/or the public, rather than a single organization or individual. Applicants are

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Arkansas Century Farm Program Now Accepting 2026 Applications

21/04/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program honors Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years, recognizing their contributions to the state’s agricultural heritage. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than July 31, 2026, to be considered for the 2026 induction cycle. The program is voluntary, and there is no cost to apply. To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria: Qualifying farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Collects 242,015 Pounds of Unwanted Pesticides

07/04/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Abandoned Pesticide Program collected 242,015 pounds of unwanted pesticides during recent collection events in Clay, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Jackson, and White counties. With this year’s collection events, the program has safely removed more than 7.2 million pounds of unwanted pesticides since its launch in 2005. “The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is proud to work with our partners in administering the Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “These collection events provide farmers and landowners with a safe, efficient way to dispose of pesticides they no longer

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